US11633555B2 - Non-combustion type flavor inhaler and aerosol delivery method - Google Patents

Non-combustion type flavor inhaler and aerosol delivery method Download PDF

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Publication number
US11633555B2
US11633555B2 US15/824,584 US201715824584A US11633555B2 US 11633555 B2 US11633555 B2 US 11633555B2 US 201715824584 A US201715824584 A US 201715824584A US 11633555 B2 US11633555 B2 US 11633555B2
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Prior art keywords
atomizer
aerosol
power output
supply
controller
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US15/824,584
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US20180077971A1 (en
Inventor
Kazuhiko Katayama
Akihiko Suzuki
Manabu Takeuchi
Takuma Nakano
Manabu Yamada
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Japan Tobacco Inc
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Japan Tobacco Inc
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Assigned to JAPAN TOBACCO INC. reassignment JAPAN TOBACCO INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KATAYAMA, KAZUHIKO, NAKANO, TAKUMA, TAKEUCHI, MANABU, YAMADA, MANABU, SUZUKI, AKIHIKO
Publication of US20180077971A1 publication Critical patent/US20180077971A1/en
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Priority to US17/177,203 priority patent/US20210170124A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
    • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
    • A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H9/00—Details
    • F24H9/20—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24H9/2007—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters
    • F24H9/2014—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heaters using electrical energy supply
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
    • A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3368—Temperature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/36—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling
    • A61M2205/3653—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling by Joule effect, i.e. electric resistance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/583—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by visual feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/587—Lighting arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
    • A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having an atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source without burning, and an aerosol delivery method.
  • the non-combustion type flavor inhaler without burning has an atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source without burning, and a sensor that detects a user's puffing action. In accordance with the detection of the puffing action, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler starts supply of a power output to the atomizer (e.g., Patent Literature 1).
  • Patent Literature 1 JP 11-089551 A
  • a first feature is summarized as a non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprising: an atomizer atomizing an aerosol source without burning; and a controller controlling a power output to the atomizer, wherein the controller is configured to start supply of a power output to the atomizer before start of a user's puffing action, and is configured to stop supply of a power output to the atomizer during a user's puffing action.
  • a second feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the first feature, further comprising an atomization switch that is switched to a state where supply of a power output to the atomizer is stopped when a user's puffing action is performed.
  • a third feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the second feature, wherein the atomization switch is switched to a state where supply of a power output to the atomizer is started when a user's puffing action is no longer performed.
  • a fourth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the second feature or third feature, wherein the atomization switch is linked with a suction sensor that detects a puffing action, and the controller stops supply of a power output to the atomizer when a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor.
  • a fifth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to any one of the second feature to the fourth feature, wherein the atomization switch is linked with a suction sensor that detects a puffing action, and the controller starts supply of a power output to the atomizer when a puffing action is no longer detected by the suction sensor.
  • a sixth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the second feature or the third feature, wherein the atomization switch is linked with a user operation on an operation interface, and the controller stops supply of a power output to the atomizer when a user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface.
  • a seventh feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to any one of the second feature, the third feature and the six feature, wherein the atomization switch is linked with a user operation on an operation interface, and the controller starts supply of a power output to the atomizer when a user operation is performed on the operation interface.
  • An eighth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the first feature, further comprising: a first switch that is switched to an ON state when a user operation is being performed on an operation interface, and that is switched to an OFF state when a user operation is not being performed on the operation interface; and a second switch that is switched to an ON state by start of a user's puffing action, and is switched to an OFF state by termination of a user's puffing action, wherein the controller starts supply of a power output to the atomizer when the first switch is switched to the ON state, and the controller stops supply of a power output to the atomizer when the second switch is switched to the ON state.
  • a ninth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the eighth feature, wherein the controller stops supply of a power output to the atomizer when a first duration has elapsed after starting of supply of a power output to the atomizer.
  • a tenth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the ninth feature, wherein the controller restarts supply of a power output to the atomizer when a second duration has elapsed after stopping of the supply of a power output to the atomizer due to the elapse of the first duration.
  • An eleventh feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the tenth feature, further comprising a notification unit for notifying that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, in a period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • a twelfth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the eleventh feature, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies that a desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied in a period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • a thirteenth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the twelfth feature, wherein an absorbing member for absorbing a condensed aerosol is provided on a wall surface exposed to a flow path of aerosol generated by the atomizer.
  • a fourteenth feature is summarized as the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to any one of the first feature to the thirteenth feature, further comprising: a suction sensor that detects a puffing action, wherein the controller triggers energization processing for the atomizer when switching is performed from a non-suction state in which a puffing action is not detected by the suction sensor, to a suction state in which a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor, and from the suction state to the non-suction state.
  • a fifteenth feature is summarized as an aerosol delivery method comprising: a step A of generating aerosol in a suction path continuing from an inlet to an outlet, in a state in which no fluid flow occurs in the suction path; and a step B of transferring the aerosol into a user's mouth with a fluid flow in the suction path in a state in which generation of the aerosol is stopped after the step A.
  • a sixteenth feature is summarized as the aerosol delivery method according to the thirteenth feature, wherein the step A is a step of starting supply of a power output to an atomizer when a user operation is performed on an operation interface, and the step B is a step of stopping supply of a power output to the atomizer when a user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface.
  • the user operation on the operation interface does not include a user's puffing action.
  • the operation interface is not particularly limited, but is an interface that is directly operated by a user's hand or the like.
  • the user operation on the operation interface is, for example, a button operation, a lever operation, a switch operation, or the like.
  • FIG. 1 is a view showing a flavor inhaler 100 according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a view showing an atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 according the embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining an example of control of a power output to an atomizer 111 R according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an aerosol delivery method according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a flavor inhaler 100 according to Modified Example 1.
  • FIG. 9 is a graph for explaining an example of control of a power output to an atomizer 111 R according to Modified Example 1:
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a block configuration of a flavor inhaler 100 according to Modified Example 2.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an aerosol delivery method according to Modified Example 2.
  • the non-combustion type flavor inhaler described in the above background art starts supply of the power output to the atomizer.
  • temperature of the atomizer changes during the generation of the aerosol by the atomizer, a particle diameter distribution of particles constituting the aerosol is spread.
  • the particle diameter of the particles constituting the aerosol varies within one puffing action or among a plurality of puffing actions.
  • a non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes an atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source without burning, and a controller that controls a power output to the atomizer.
  • the controller starts supply of the power output to the atomizer before start of a user's puffing action, and stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer during the user's puffing action.
  • the controller stops supply of the power output to the atomizer during a user's puffing action.
  • temperature of the atomizer is not changed by the user's puffing action. This prevents a particle diameter of particles constituting aerosol from varying within one puffing action or among a plurality of puffing actions.
  • FIG. 1 is a view showing a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment.
  • the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 is a device for inhaling a flavoring component without burning, and has a shape extending along a predetermined direction A that is a direction from a non-inhalation end toward an inhalation end.
  • FIG. 2 is a view showing an atomizing unit 111 according to the embodiment. It should be noted that, in the following description, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 100 is simply referred to as a flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 has an inhaler body 110 and a cartridge 130 .
  • the inhaler body 110 forms a main body of the flavor inhaler 100 , and has a shape connectable with the cartridge 130 .
  • the inhaler body 110 has an inhaler housing 110 X, and the cartridge 130 is connected to an inhalation end of the inhaler housing 110 X.
  • the inhaler body 110 has the atomizing unit 111 configured to atomize the aerosol source without burning, and an electrical unit 112 .
  • the atomizing unit 111 has a first cylinder 111 X forming a part of the inhaler housing 110 X. As shown in FIG. 2 , the atomizing unit 111 has a reservoir 111 P, a wick 111 Q, and an atomizer 111 R. The reservoir 111 P, the wick 111 Q, and the atomizer 111 R are accommodated in the first cylinder 111 X.
  • the first cylinder 111 X has a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction A.
  • the reservoir 111 P holds the aerosol source.
  • the reservoir 111 P may be a porous body made of a material such as a resin web.
  • the wick 111 Q is an example of a liquid holding member that holds the aerosol source supplied from the reservoir 111 P.
  • the wick 111 Q is made of glass fiber.
  • the atomizer 111 R atomizes the aerosol source held by the wick 111 Q.
  • the atomizer 111 R is configured by, for example, a heating resistor (e.g., a heating wire) wound around the wick 111 Q at a predetermined pitch.
  • the aerosol source is liquid such as propylene glycol or glycerin.
  • the aerosol source is held, for example, by a porous body made of a material such as a resin web as described above.
  • the porous body may be made of a non-tobacco material, or may be made of a tobacco material.
  • the aerosol source may contain a flavoring component (e.g., a nicotine component or the like). Alternatively, the aerosol source may not contain the flavoring component.
  • an absorbing member 111 S that absorbs condensed aerosol.
  • the wall surface exposed to the flow path of aerosol is, for example, an inner surface of the first cylinder 111 X exposed to the flow path of aerosol, an outer surface of the reservoir 111 P exposed to the flow path of aerosol, and the like.
  • the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 1115 is preferably guided from the absorbing member 111 S to the atomizer 111 R by utilizing a capillary phenomenon.
  • the absorbing member 111 S when the absorbing member 111 S is in contact with the reservoir 111 P, the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111 S is preferably guided from the absorbing member 111 S to the reservoir 111 P.
  • the absorbing member 1115 only needs to be a member having a function of absorbing the condensed aerosol.
  • the absorbing member 111 S may be made of a same material as that of the reservoir 111 P (resin web), and may also be made of a same material as that of the wick 111 Q (glass fiber).
  • the electrical unit 112 has a second cylinder 112 X forming a part of the inhaler housing 110 X.
  • the electrical unit 112 has an inlet 112 A.
  • air flowing in from the inlet 112 A is guided to the atomizing unit 111 (atomizer 111 R).
  • the electrical unit 112 has a power source 10 , a suction sensor 20 , a pushbutton 30 , a light-emitting element 40 , and a control circuit 50 .
  • the power source 10 , the suction sensor 20 , the pushbutton 30 , and the control circuit 50 are accommodated in the second cylinder 112 X.
  • the second cylinder 112 X has a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction A.
  • the power source 10 is a lithium-ion battery, for example.
  • the power source 10 accumulates electric power required for operating the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the power source 10 accumulates electric power to be supplied to the suction sensor 20 and the control circuit 50 .
  • the power source 10 accumulates electric power to be supplied to the atomizing unit 111 (atomizer 111 R).
  • the suction sensor 20 detects a fluid flow in a suction path continuing from the inlet 112 A to an outlet 130 A.
  • the suction sensor 20 detects a suction (suction state) when the fluid flow from the inlet 112 A to the outlet 130 A side is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value.
  • the suction sensor 20 detects a non-suction (non-suction state) when the fluid flow from the inlet 112 A to the outlet 130 A side is less than the predetermined threshold value.
  • the pushbutton 30 is configured to be pushed inward from outside of the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the pushbutton 30 is provided at the non-inhalation end of the flavor inhaler 100 , and configured to be pushed in a direction from the non-inhalation end toward the inhalation end (i.e. in the predetermined direction A). For example, in a state where the flavor inhaler 100 is not powered on, when the pushbutton 30 is continuously pushed in for a predetermined number of times, the flavor inhaler 100 may be powered on.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may be powered off when a predetermined time elapses without a puffing action after a puffing action is performed.
  • the light-emitting element 40 is, for example, a light source such as an LED or an electric lamp.
  • the light-emitting element 40 is provided on a sidewall extending along a predetermined direction.
  • the light-emitting element 40 is preferably provided on a side wall near the non-inhalation end. This allows a user to visually recognize a light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting element 40 easily during a puffing action, as compared with a case where the light-emitting element is provided only on an end face of the non-inhalation end on an axis in the predetermined direction A.
  • the light-emitting pattern of the light-emitting element 40 is a pattern to notify a user of a state of the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the light-emitting element 40 may form a notification unit to notify that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • the light-emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • the light-emitting element 40 may form a notification unit to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • the light-emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • the control circuit 50 controls operation of the flavor inhaler 100 . Specifically, the control circuit 50 controls the power output to the atomizing unit 111 (atomizer 111 R). Further, the control circuit 50 controls the light-emitting element 40 .
  • the cartridge 130 is configured to be connectable to the inhaler body 110 foaming the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the cartridge 130 is provided on a downstream side of the atomizing unit 111 on a flow path of gas (hereinafter, air) inhaled from an inhalation port.
  • air gas
  • the cartridge 130 is not necessarily provided on an inhalation side from the atomizing unit 111 in terms of a physical space, as long as the cartridge 130 is provided on the downstream side of the atomizing unit 111 on the aerosol flow path for guiding aerosol generated from the atomizing unit 111 .
  • the cartridge 130 has a cartridge housing 131 , a flavor source 132 , a mesh 133 A, and a filter 133 B. Further, the cartridge 130 has the outlet 130 A provided at the inhalation port.
  • the cartridge housing 131 has a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical shape) extending along the predetermined direction A.
  • the cartridge housing 131 accommodates the flavor source 132 .
  • the cartridge housing 131 is configured to be inserted into the inhaler housing 110 X along the predetermined direction A.
  • the flavor source 132 is provided closer to the outlet 130 A (inhalation port) than the atomizing unit 111 on the suction path continuing from the inlet 112 A to the outlet 130 A.
  • the flavor source 132 gives a flavoring component to aerosol generated from the aerosol source. In other words, the flavoring component given to the aerosol by the flavor source 132 is conveyed to the outlet 130 A (inhalation port).
  • the flavor source 132 is made by a raw material piece that gives the flavoring component to aerosol generated from the atomizing unit 111 .
  • a size of the raw material piece is preferably 0.2 mm or more to 1.2 mm or less. Further, the size of the raw material piece is preferably 0.2 mm or more to 0.7 mm or less. Since a specific surface area is increased as the size of the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132 is smaller, the flavoring component is easily released from the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132 . Therefore, in giving a desired amount of the flavoring component to aerosol, an amount of the raw material piece can be suppressed.
  • the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132 it is possible to use a shredded tobacco, and a molded body of a granulated tobacco material.
  • the flavor source 132 may be a molded body formed into a sheet tobacco material.
  • the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132 may be composed of a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, and the like).
  • the flavor source 132 may be given flavors such as menthol.
  • the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132 is obtained by sieving according to JIS Z 8815, for example, by using a stainless steel sieve according to JIS Z 8801.
  • a stainless steel sieve having a mesh opening of 0.71 mm the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry type mechanical shaking method, providing raw material pieces passing through the stainless steel sieve having the mesh opening of 0.71 mm.
  • a stainless steel sieve having a mesh opening of 0.212 mm the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes by a dry type mechanical shaking method, removing the raw material pieces passing through the stainless steel sieve having the mesh opening of 0.212 mm.
  • the flavor source 132 is a tobacco source having an alkaline pH.
  • a pH of the tobacco source is preferably greater than 7, and more preferably 8 or more. Setting the pH greater than 7 makes it possible to efficiently take out the flavoring component generated from the tobacco source, by aerosol. This can suppress the amount of the tobacco source in giving a desired amount of the flavoring component to aerosol.
  • the pH of the tobacco source is preferably 12 or less, and more preferably 10 or less. Setting the pH to 12 or less can more effectively prevent damage (such as corrosion) to the flavor inhaler 100 (e.g., the cartridge 130 or the inhaler body 110 ).
  • flavouring component generated from the flavor source 132 is conveyed by aerosol, and the flavor source 132 itself does not need to be heated.
  • the mesh 133 A is provided so as to close an opening of the cartridge housing 131 on upstream of the flavor source 132
  • the filter 133 B is provided so as to close the opening of the cartridge housing 131 on downstream of the flavor source 132 .
  • the mesh 133 A has roughness of a degree not to be passed by the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132 .
  • the roughness of the mesh 133 A has a mesh opening of, for example, 0.077 mm or more to 0.198 mm or less.
  • the filter 133 B is made of a permeable material.
  • the filter 133 B is preferably an acetate filter, for example.
  • the filter 133 B has roughness of a degree not to be passed by the raw material piece composing the flavor source 132 .
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment.
  • the control circuit 50 has a power switch 51 , an atomization switch 52 , and a controller 53 .
  • the power switch 51 is switched to an ON state when the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on, and switched to an OFF state when the flavor inhaler 100 is powered off
  • the power switch 51 may be connected to the pushbutton 30 , and may be switched to the ON state when the pushbutton . 30 is continuously pushed in for a predetermined number of times, in a state where the flavor inhaler 100 is not powered on.
  • the power switch 51 may be switched to the OFF state when the pushbutton 30 is continuously pushed in for a predetermined number of times, in a state where the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on.
  • the power switch 51 may have a timer to be activated in response to termination of a puffing action, and may be switched to the OFF state in response to expiration of the timer (elapse of a predetermined time).
  • the atomization switch 52 When a user's puffing action is performed, the atomization switch 52 is switched to a state (OFF state) where supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R is stopped, and when the user's puffing action is no longer performed, the atomization switch 52 is switched to a state (ON state) where supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R is started.
  • the atomization switch 52 is linked with the suction sensor that detects a puffing action. The atomization switch 52 is switched to the OFF state when a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20 . On the other hand, the atomization switch 52 is switched to the ON state when the puffing action is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20 .
  • a state where the puffing action is not detected by the suction sensor 20 is also referred to as the non-suction state
  • a state where a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20 is also referred to as the suction state. Therefore, the atomization switch 52 is switched to the OFF state by switching from the non-suction state to the suction state, and switched to the ON state by switching from the suction state to the non-suction state.
  • the controller 53 controls the flavor inhaler 100 in a state where the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on.
  • the controller 53 controls a power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 starts supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R before the start of the user's puffing action, and stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R during the user's puffing action.
  • the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 starts the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 starts the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • magnitude of the power output is defined by a value of the voltage applied to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the magnitude of the power output is defined by at least any one of parameters of the value of the voltage applied to the atomizer 111 R, a pulse width, and a pulse interval.
  • the controller 53 may stop the supply of the power output to the atomizer 1118 .
  • the first duration is a time for keeping a supply amount of aerosol within a desired amount without depending on a time length of the non-suction state.
  • the first duration is a time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from exceeding an upper limit of the desired amount range.
  • an upper limit of the first duration is preferably 5 seconds. More preferably, the upper limit of the first duration is 4 seconds, and even more preferably the upper limit of the first duration is 3 seconds.
  • a lower limit of the first duration is preferably 0.5 seconds. More preferably, the lower limit of the first duration is 1 second, and even more preferably the lower limit of the first duration is 1.5 seconds.
  • the first duration is preferably 0.5 seconds or more to 5 seconds or less. More preferably, the first duration is 1 second or more to 4 seconds or less. Even more preferably, the first duration is preferably 1.5 seconds or more to 3 seconds or less.
  • the controller 53 may restart the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the second duration is a time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from falling below a lower limit of the desired amount range due to condensation of aerosol on the wall surface exposed to the flow path of aerosol.
  • the condensed aerosol absorbed by the absorbing member 111 S may be re-atomized by restarting supply of the power output.
  • the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111 S is preferably guided from the absorbing member 111 S to the atomizer 111 R by utilizing a capillary phenomenon.
  • the aerosol (condensed aerosol) absorbed by the absorbing member 111 S is preferably guided from the absorbing member 111 S to the reservoir 111 P.
  • the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element 40 .
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • a start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied is a timing at which a certain time shorter than the first duration has elapsed after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the certain time is, for example, a time from starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R until the supply amount of aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • a start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied is, for example, a timing at which supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R is started.
  • An end timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied is similar to the start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • the controller 53 may trigger energization processing for the atomizer 111 R when the non-suction state is switched to the suction state, and the suction state is switched to the non-suction state.
  • an initial puffing action is performed to trigger the energization processing for the atomizer 111 R without generation of aerosol.
  • the energization processing for the atomizer 111 R is processing of generating aerosol by supplying the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the initial puffing action may be used to authenticate whether the user is an authorized user. For example, when the response value of the suction sensor 20 associated with the initial puffing action satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., a condition that a slope of a flow rate is equal to or more than a predetermined value), the user is authenticated as an authorized user.
  • the initial puffing action may be an initial puffing action after introducing of the power supply of the flavor inhaler 100 , or may be an initial puffing action after a predetermined time has elapsed without a puffing action performed.
  • the controller 53 may not trigger the energization processing for the atomizer 111 R.
  • the whole contents of International Application No. PCT/JP2015/63036 (filed Apr. 30, 2015) is incorporated by reference.
  • FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining an example of control of the power output to the atomizer 111 R according to the embodiment.
  • the controller 53 starts supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the atomization switch 52 is turned on (i.e., the non-suction state).
  • the controller 53 stops supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the atomization switch 52 is turned off (i.e., the suction state).
  • the controller 53 stops supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the first duration elapses with the atomization switch 52 being in the ON state (i.e., the non-suction state) after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the first duration is a time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from exceeding the upper limit of the desired amount range.
  • the first duration is variable depending on the amount of aerosol staying in the aerosol flow path.
  • the controller 53 restarts the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the second duration elapses with the atomization switch 52 being in the ON state (i.e., the non-suction state).
  • the second duration is a time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from falling below the lower limit of the desired amount range.
  • the desired amount range may be determined by the upper limit and the lower limit
  • the lower limit is preferably 0.1 mg or more, and more preferably 1.0 mg or more.
  • the upper limit of the desired amount is preferably 10.0 mg or less, and more preferably 5.0 mg or less.
  • the desired amount range may be 0.1 mg or more to 10.0 mg or less, or may be 1.0 mg or more to 5.0 mg or less.
  • the desired amount range may be determined based on a target value of the desired amount.
  • the desired amount range is preferably a range of ⁇ 50% or less (e.g., when the target value of the desired amount is 2.0 mg, the desired amount range is 1.0 mg or more to 3.0 mg or less), and more preferably a range of ⁇ 25% or less (e.g., when the target value of the desired amount is 2.0 mg, the desired amount range is 1.5 mg or more to 2.5 mg or less).
  • the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. Further, the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. In the example of control according to the embodiment, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied, after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R until the supply amount of aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range. When the supply amount of aerosol exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • the start timing of the period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied is a timing at which a certain time shorter than the first duration has elapsed after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the certain time is, for example, a time from starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R until the supply amount of aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range.
  • FIGS. 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing the aerosol delivery method according to the embodiment.
  • an operation of the flavor inhaler 100 (controller 53 ) will mainly be described.
  • step S 10 the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on.
  • the pushbutton 30 is continuously pushed in for a predetermined number of times, the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on.
  • step S 20 the controller 53 controls the power output associated with a puffing action. Details of step S 20 will be described later (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ).
  • step S 30 the flavor inhaler 100 is powered off
  • the flavor inhaler 100 is powered off
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may be powered off when a predetermined time elapses without a puffing action after a puffing action is performed.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method in an initial puffing action.
  • step S 201 the flavor inhaler 100 is in the non-suction state where no puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20 .
  • step 5202 the controller 53 determines whether the non-suction state has been switched to the suction state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 203 .
  • the controller 53 returns to processing of step S 201 .
  • step S 203 the controller 53 determines whether the suction state has been switched to the non-suction state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 204 .
  • the controller 53 waits as it is.
  • step S 204 the controller 53 determines whether the non-suction state has been switched to the suction state, and the suction state has been switched to the non-suction state within the trigger time. That is, the controller 53 determines whether a time from a timing of switching to the suction state to a timing of switching to the non-suction state is within the trigger time.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 205 .
  • the controller 53 returns to the processing of step S 201 .
  • the processing of step S 204 may be omitted.
  • step S 205 the controller 53 triggers the energization processing for the atomizer 111 R. That is, after the initial puffing action detected in steps S 202 and S 203 is performed, the controller 53 starts supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the initial puffing action may be used to authenticate whether the user is an authorized user.
  • the initial puffing action may be an initial puffing action after the flavor inhaler 100 is powered on, or may be an initial puffing action after a predetermined time has elapsed without a puffing action performed. The predetermined time is longer than at least the first duration and the second duration.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that a desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied, after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R until the supply amount of aerosol reaches the lower limit of the desired amount range.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • the light-emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method in a puffing action after the authentication (e.g., second and subsequent puffing actions).
  • step S 211 the controller 53 determines whether the non-suction state has been switched to the suction state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 212 .
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 216 .
  • step S 212 the flavor inhaler 100 is in the suction state where a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20 .
  • step S 213 the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • step S 214 it is determined whether the suction state has been switched to the non-suction state.
  • the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 215 .
  • the controller 53 waits until the suction state ends.
  • step S 215 the controller 53 restarts the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • step S 216 the controller 53 determines whether the first duration has elapsed after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R. As described above, the first duration is the time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from exceeding the upper limit of the desired amount range.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 217 .
  • the controller 53 returns to the processing of step S 211 .
  • step S 217 the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • the light-emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • step S 217 when the supply amount of aerosol increases or decreases within the desired amount range after the supply amount of aerosol exceeds the lower limit of the desired amount range, a state is maintained where the supply amount of aerosol is above the lower limit of the desired amount range. Therefore, it is unnecessary to notify in step S 217 that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • step S 218 the controller 53 determines whether the second duration has elapsed after stopping of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R due to elapse of the first duration.
  • the second duration is the time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from falling below the lower limit of the desired amount range.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 219 .
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 220 .
  • step S 219 the controller 53 determines whether a termination condition is satisfied.
  • the controller 53 ends a series of processing.
  • the controller 53 returns to processing of step S 221 .
  • the termination condition may be that a predetermined time elapses without a puffing action performed, or may be that a predetermined number of puffing actions have been performed.
  • step S 220 the controller 53 determines whether the non-suction state has been switched to the suction state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether the atomization switch 52 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to the processing of step S 212 .
  • the controller 53 returns to processing of step S 218 .
  • step S 221 the controller 53 restarts the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • the light-emitting element 40 may continuously notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, from start to end of a period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • step S 221 the controller 53 returns to the processing of step S 211 .
  • the aerosol delivery method includes various processing, but the embodiment is not limited to this.
  • the aerosol delivery method only needs to include at least step A (i.e., step S 205 , step S 215 , and step S 221 ) of generating aerosol in the suction path, and step B (i.e., step S 213 ) of transferring the aerosol into a user's mouth with a fluid flow in the suction path in a state where generation of aerosol is stopped after step A.
  • the controller 53 stops supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R during a user's puffing action.
  • temperature of the atomizer 111 R is not changed by the user's puffing action. This prevents a particle diameter of particles constituting aerosol from varying within one puffing action or among a plurality of puffing actions.
  • the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R. Therefore, it is possible to keep the supply amount of aerosol within a desired amount without depending on an interval of puffing actions.
  • the controller 53 restarts the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R. This can prevent the supply amount of aerosol from falling below the lower limit of the desired amount range due to condensation of the aerosol on the wall surface exposed to the flow path of aerosol.
  • the light-emitting element 40 notifies that a desired amount of aerosol can be supplied, in a period in which the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. This allows a user to promote start of a puffing action at an appropriate timing.
  • the light-emitting element 40 notifies that a desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied, in a period in which the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied. This can prevent start of a puffing action at an inappropriate timing.
  • the absorbing member 111 S that absorbs the condensed aerosol. This can suppresses waste of the aerosol source by re-atomization of the aerosol absorbed by the absorbing member 111 S.
  • the controller 53 triggers the energization processing for the atomizer 111 R when the non-suction state is switched to the suction state, and the suction state is switched to the non-suction state. This makes it possible to properly trigger the energization processing for the atomizer 111 R. Furthermore, an initial puffing action can be used for user authentication.
  • the atomization switch 52 is linked with the suction sensor 20 .
  • an atomization switch 52 is connected to an operation interface 80 as shown in FIG. 8 , and is linked with a user operation on the operation interface 80 .
  • the operation interface 80 may be the above-described pushbutton 30 , or may be an interface provided separately from the pushbutton 30 described above.
  • the operation interface 80 is an interface configured to be operated before start of a puffing action. That is, a user operates the operation interface 80 in a period in which a puffing action is not performed, and the user does not operate the operation interface 80 in a period in which the puffing action is performed. Therefore, the atomization switch 52 is switched to an OFF state when the user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80 . On the other hand, the atomization switch 52 is switched to an ON state when the user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 . That is, a state where the user operation is being performed on the operation interface 80 is a non-suction state, and a state where the user operation is not being performed on the operation interface 80 is a suction state.
  • a controller 53 starts supply of a power output to an atomizer 111 R when a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 , and the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80 .
  • step A (step S 205 , step 213 , and step 219 described above) of generating aerosol in the suction path is a step of starting supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80
  • step B of transferring the aerosol into a user's mouth with a fluid flow in the suction path, in a state where the generation of aerosol is stopped after step A is a step of stopping the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80 .
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of control of the power output to the atomizer 111 R according to Modified Example 1.
  • the controller 53 starts supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 stops supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the first duration elapses with the atomization switch 52 being in the ON state (i.e., the non-suction state) after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R. That is, even when the user operation is continued on the operation interface 80 , the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R is stopped.
  • the first duration is the time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from exceeding an upper limit of the desired amount range.
  • the example of control according to Modified Example 1 does not include performing of the control for maintaining the supply amount of aerosol to exceed a lower limit of the desired amount range by using the second duration described above.
  • the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied. Further, the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • the controller 53 controls the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • the supply amount of aerosol is below the lower limit of the desired amount range, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • the supply amount of aerosol is above the lower limit of the desired amount range, it is notified that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • the atomization switch 52 linked with the suction sensor 20 .
  • a first switch 57 linked with an operation interface 80 there are provided a first switch 57 linked with an operation interface 80 , and a second switch 58 linked with a suction sensor 20 .
  • the operation interface 80 may be the above-described pushbutton 30 , or may be an interface provided separately from the pushbutton 30 described above.
  • the first switch 57 is switched to an ON state when a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 , and is switched to an OFF state when the user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80 .
  • the second switch 58 is switched to an ON state when a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20 , and is switched to an OFF state when the puffing action is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20 . That is, the second switch 58 is switched to the ON state by start of a user's puffing action, and switched to the OFF state by termination of the user's puffing action.
  • an opportunity to start supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R is that a user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 (the first switch 57 is switched to the ON state), rather than that a puffing action is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20 (the second switch 58 is switched to the OFF state).
  • the operation interface 80 is used as an interface to start supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R. Therefore, when the user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80 , the controller 53 may not stop the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • Modified Example 2 is not limited to this. Specifically, when the user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80 , the controller 53 may stop the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R. Specifically, on the assumption that the user operation is being performed on the operation interface 80 (i.e., the first switch 57 is in the ON state), it may be considered that supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R is permitted.
  • Modified Example 2 the control shown in FIG. 9 is performed as control of the power output to the atomizer 111 R, as in Modified Example 1. That is, Modified Example 2 does not include performing of the control for maintaining the supply amount of aerosol to exceed the lower limit of the desired amount range by using the second duration described above.
  • the second switch 58 linked with the suction sensor 20 may be considered as an atomization switch.
  • the first switch 57 linked with the operation interface 80 may be considered as the atomization switch.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the aerosol delivery method according to Modified Example 2.
  • an operation of the flavor inhaler 100 (controller 53 ) is mainly described.
  • FIG. 11 details of step S 20 shown in FIG. 5 is described.
  • step S 311 the first switch 57 is in the OFF state. That is, a user operation is not being performed on the operation interface 80 .
  • step S 312 the controller 53 determines whether a termination condition is satisfied.
  • the controller 53 ends a series of processing.
  • the controller 53 returns to processing of step S 313 .
  • the termination condition may be that a predetermined time elapses without a puffing action performed, or may be that a predetermined number of puffing actions have been performed.
  • step S 313 the controller 53 determines whether the first switch 57 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether a user operation has been performed on the operation interface 80 .
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 314 .
  • the controller 53 returns to processing of step S 311 .
  • step S 314 the controller 53 starts supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol can be supplied.
  • step S 315 the controller 53 determines whether the second switch 58 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state. In other words, the controller 53 detects whether a puffing action is detected by the suction sensor 20 . When the determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 316 . When the determination result is NO, the controller 53 returns to processing of step S 318 .
  • step S 316 the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • step S 317 the controller 53 determines whether the second switch 58 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state. In other words, the controller 53 detects whether the puffing action is no longer detected by the suction sensor 20 . When the determination result is YES, the controller 53 returns to the processing of step S 311 . In the flow shown in FIG. 11 , the first switch 57 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state even when the user operation is continued on the operation interface 80 at a time of returning to processing at step S 311 . On the other hand, when the determination result is NO, the controller 53 waits as it is.
  • step S 318 it is determined whether the first switch 57 has been switched from the ON state to the OFF state. In other words, the controller 53 determines whether the user operation is no longer performed on the operation interface 80 . When the determination result is YES, the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 319 . When the determination result is NO, the controller 53 returns to processing of step S 320 .
  • step S 319 the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • step S 319 the controller 53 returns to the processing of step S 311 .
  • step S 320 the controller 53 determines whether the first duration has elapsed after starting of supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R. As described above, the first duration is the time determined to prevent the supply amount of aerosol from exceeding the upper limit of the desired amount range.
  • the controller 53 proceeds to processing of step S 321 .
  • the controller 53 returns to processing of step S 315 .
  • step S 321 the controller 53 stops the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R.
  • the controller 53 may control the light-emitting element 40 to notify that the desired amount of aerosol cannot be supplied.
  • step S 321 the controller 53 returns to the processing of step S 311 .
  • the first switch 57 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state even when the user operation is continued on the operation interface 80 at a time of returning to processing at step S 311 .
  • the cartridge 130 does not include the atomizing unit 111 , but the embodiment is not limited to this.
  • the cartridge 130 may form one unit in combination with the atomizing unit 111 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 has the cartridge 130 , but the embodiment is not limited to this.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may not have the cartridge 130 .
  • the aerosol source preferably contains a flavoring component.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 has the power switch 51 , but the embodiment is not limited to this. In other words, the suction sensor 20 may always be energized.
  • the pushbutton 30 is provided at the non-inhalation end of the flavor inhaler 100 , but the embodiment is not limited to this.
  • the pushbutton 30 may be provided on an outer periphery of the inhaler housing 110 X.
  • Modified Examples 1 and 2 do not include performing of the control by using the second duration, that is, the control for maintaining the supply amount of aerosol to exceed the lower limit of the desired amount range, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Even in Modified Examples 1 and 2, the control using the second duration period may be performed as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the controller 53 according to Modified Example 1 may restart the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the second duration has elapsed with the atomization switch 52 being in the ON state (i.e., while the user operation is performed on the operation interface 80 ).
  • the controller 53 may restart the supply of the power output to the atomizer 111 R when the second duration has elapsed with the first switch 57 being in the ON state, and the second switch 58 being in the OFF state (i.e., while the user operation is continued on the operation interface 80 , and no puffing action is being detected by the suction sensor 20 ).
  • the atomizing unit 111 may be provided separately from the electrical unit 112 , and may be configured to be connectable to the electrical unit 112 .
  • the non-combustion type flavor inhaler and the aerosol delivery method capable of suppressing variations in the particle diameter of the particles constituting the aerosol.

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